Sex education for one year olds (12-24 months)
Everyday conversations with your one year old
Your toddler is finding their independence – and their voice. They’re saying “no,” testing limits, and exploring their body with curiosity. These moments may feel awkward, but they’re actually perfect opportunities to lay the foundations of body respect and consent.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start small
It’s easy to feel like you need to “get it all right” now. But remember: you don’t need a perfect script.
Here’s how to approach it when the list looks long.
Mindset shifts to help you breathe
- Tiny chats add up: Everyday routines are more powerful than big talks.
- Start where you feel comfortable: Pick just one phrase or idea and build from there.
- Connection first: Respecting their “no” teaches safety better than any lecture.
👉 Feeling stuck? Inside the Sex Ed Membership, I’ll help you with scripts and reassurance, so you don’t feel like you’re winging it alone.
Quick reference snapshot (12 to 24 months)
Focus right now: Support their independence by pairing language with respect.
Key topics
- Correct names for body parts (penis, vulva, vagina, testicles, bottom)
- Respecting “no” and practising consent
- Neutral response to genital touching
- Gentle hygiene during care (hands, face, teeth, genitals)
- Positive body talk
What to teach (with scripts)
- My Body Belongs to Me: “No hug? How about a high five?”
- Genital Touching is Okay: “That’s something we do in private time.”
- Basic Hygiene: “Let’s wash your face and penis.”
- Correct Names: Keep using real words – they’re learning fast.
- Positive Body Talk: “Your body is growing so tall and strong.”
TIP. Not sure how to talk about one of these topics? If you’re thinking “how the heck do I explain that?”, don’t worry — you’re in the right place. Just scroll down and you’ll find blogposts that show you what to say, when to say it, and how to keep it age-appropriate. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own — I’ve got you 💛
Tips for talking
- Keep phrases short and casual.
- Respect their “no” – it teaches them autonomy.
- Model positive language about your own body too.
Common parent fears (and reassurance)
- “What if my toddler touches their genitals all the time?” It’s developmentally appropriate. Redirect only if it’s at the dinner table – you can say, “That’s something for private time.”
- “Isn’t this too young for consent?” No – every time you respect their “no,” you’re teaching that their body belongs to them.
What if I do nothing?
Without these simple steps, children may miss early lessons about consent and body safety – and learn confusing messages elsewhere.
Next steps
As your child approaches two, you’ll build on these lessons by teaching about private parts, emotions, and privacy rules.
👉 For now, keep it simple and download your Ages 0–2 Sex Ed Checklist to stay on track.
🧭 Looking for a different age? Check out the full Age-Appropriate Sex Education Guide with support from birth to 18.
➡️ Ready for what’s next? Explore the next age guide for 2 year olds to stay one step ahead.
Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop
🔍 More help for this age and stage
There’s a lot of information out there about sex education — and it can be hard to know where to start (or what’s actually relevant right now). That’s why I’ve pulled together these blogposts, guides, and tools that are especially helpful for parenting a 1 year old.
These resources will help you focus on what matters right now – in a way that feels calm, doable, and aligned with your values.
Because even though every child is different, there are general stages all kids go through. These links will help you feel confident and prepared, one small step at a time.
👇 Scroll down to explore what’s relevant for this stage – from common questions to everyday conversations.
🛒 Looking for tools that make sex ed easier? You’ll also find practical, parent-friendly resources inside the Sex Ed Shop – designed to help you have conversations without stress, shame or awkwardness.
You’re doing a great job. Let’s keep going!
Anyway, that should get you started with teaching your one year old (12 to 24 months) about sex in a non-awkward, shame-free and natural way! And you can also find other age-by-age sex education guides.
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath
Looking for more sex education resources? Then visit my Sex Education 101 page!
📥 Free download for parents
The Ages 0–2 Sex Ed Checklist
Raising a curious toddler who says “no” to everything?
This simple checklist shows you:
👇 Sign up below to get your free checklist
References
- Education for Health and Wellbeing
- Global Review 2015 Document
- Growing and Developing Healthy Relationships
- International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education 2018 Document
- Putting Sexuality Back into Comprehensive Sexuality Education
- Sensoa Flag System Reacting to sexually (un)acceptable behaviour of children, young people and adults. (Rutgers Europe)
- Sex Education Forum (UK)
- Sexual Health Victoria: Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Resources (formerly Family Planning Victoria)
- Sexuality Information and Education Council
- Teaching and learning activities (Sexuality Education Victorian Primary Schools)
- Teaching and learning activities (Sexuality Education Victorian Secondary Schools)
- Teaching Sexual Health (Canada)
- WHO: Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues
- WHO: Developing Sexual Health Programmes